He bent down and looked inThis phrase describes the posture of Peter as he approaches the tomb. The act of bending down indicates a sense of urgency and curiosity. In the cultural context of the time, tombs were often carved into rock and required one to stoop to see inside. This action reflects a personal and investigative approach to the resurrection, emphasizing the importance of witnessing the evidence firsthand. The act of looking in signifies a desire to understand and verify the events that have transpired.
at the linen cloths lying there
The linen cloths are significant as they were used to wrap Jesus' body after His crucifixion. The presence of the cloths, lying undisturbed, suggests that Jesus' body was not stolen, as grave robbers would not have taken the time to unwrap the body. This detail aligns with the resurrection narrative, indicating that Jesus rose from the dead, leaving behind the burial cloths. The mention of linen cloths also connects to the burial customs of the time, providing historical context to the account.
but he did not go in
Peter's hesitation to enter the tomb may reflect a sense of reverence or shock at the sight before him. This moment of pause allows for contemplation and underscores the gravity of the resurrection event. In the broader biblical narrative, this hesitation can be seen as a moment of transition from doubt to belief, as Peter processes the implications of the empty tomb. This phrase also sets the stage for the subsequent actions of the other disciples, highlighting the varying responses to the resurrection.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PeterOne of Jesus' closest disciples, known for his impulsive nature and leadership among the apostles. He is often the first to act and speak.
2.
John (the disciple whom Jesus loved)The author of the Gospel of John, known for his close relationship with Jesus. He arrives at the tomb first but hesitates to enter.
3.
The Empty TombThe site of Jesus' burial, now found empty by the disciples, signifying His resurrection. It is a pivotal location in the Christian faith.
4.
Linen ClothsThe burial cloths that had wrapped Jesus' body, now lying in the tomb, indicating that His body was not stolen but resurrected.
5.
Resurrection MorningThe event of Jesus rising from the dead, which is the cornerstone of Christian belief, affirming His victory over sin and death.
Teaching Points
The Importance of WitnessingJohn’s hesitation to enter the tomb shows the importance of witnessing events firsthand. As believers, we are called to be witnesses of Christ’s resurrection in our lives.
Faith and EvidenceThe presence of the linen cloths serves as evidence of the resurrection. Our faith is not blind but based on historical events and evidence.
The Role of HesitationJohn's initial hesitation can remind us that it is natural to have moments of doubt or hesitation in our faith journey. What matters is how we respond to those moments.
The Significance of the ResurrectionThe empty tomb is a powerful symbol of hope and victory over death. It calls us to live in the light of the resurrection, with hope and purpose.
Encouragement to SeekJust as John and Peter sought the truth of the resurrection, we are encouraged to seek understanding and truth in our spiritual walk.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of John 20:5?
2.How does John 20:5 demonstrate the importance of witnessing the resurrection firsthand?
3.What can we learn from John's hesitation to enter the tomb immediately?
4.How does John 20:5 connect to the theme of faith in unseen evidence?
5.How can we apply John's careful observation to our spiritual investigations today?
6.What does John's response in John 20:5 teach about reverence for holy moments?
7.Why did John emphasize the detail of the linen cloths in John 20:5?
8.How does John 20:5 support the belief in Jesus' resurrection?
9.What is the significance of the disciple not entering the tomb in John 20:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 20?
11.What does the folded napkin symbolize in the Bible?
12.If Jesus is God, why did He say "My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?" on the cross (Matthew 27:46)?
13.Did Herod want to kill John the Baptist? Yes (Matthew 14:5) No. It was Herodias, the wife of Herod who wanted to kill him. But Herod knew that he was a righteous man and kept him safe (Mark 6:20)
14.Were the women informed about Jesus' body's fate? Yes, by a young man/angels (Mark 16:5; Luke 24:4; Matthew 28:7). No, Mary found the tomb empty and was confused (John 20:2).What Does John 20:5 Mean
He bent downJohn pauses to show a deliberate act of humility and reverence. The beloved disciple does not rush. Like Mary who later “bent down to look into the tomb” (John 20:11), and like Peter inLuke 24:12 who also “bent down,” this posture underscores awe before God’s works. It recalls moments when servants of God lowered themselves in holy places—Moses removing his sandals before the burning bush (Exodus 3:5) and Elijah covering his face at Horeb (1 Kings 19:13).
•Stooping signals respect for a place touched by the power of God.
•It also shows eagerness: John cannot stay away, yet he approaches thoughtfully, honoring the sacredness of the scene.
and looked inThe disciple’s gaze is intentional; he wants firsthand evidence. Scripture often links seeing with belief—“what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked upon” (1 John 1:1). Angels themselves “long to look into these things” (1 Peter 1:12), and here a human witness does the same.
•This “look” is the beginning of testimony that will soon spread (John 20:8;Acts 4:20).
•It reminds us that faith is never blind credulity; God provides observable signs so we may “know the certainty of the things we have been taught” (Luke 1:4).
at the linen cloths lying thereWhat John sees matters. The grave wrappings are still present, exactly where Jesus’ body had been laid after Joseph and Nicodemus “wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices” (John 19:40).Luke 24:12 notes the same detail, and John will soon add that “the cloth that had been around Jesus’ head was folded up by itself” (John 20:7).
•Grave robbers would not unwrap a body and neatly arrange cloths; the orderly scene argues powerfully for resurrection, not theft (Matthew 28:11–15).
•The calm arrangement echoesIsaiah 52:13, where the Servant acts wisely—nothing frantic or chaotic surrounds the risen Lord.
but he did not go inJohn hesitates, holding back until Peter arrives and enters first (John 20:6). Respect for Peter’s recognized leadership (Matthew 16:18–19) may guide him, but the moment also illustrates differing temperaments in the body of Christ.
•Some, like Peter, are impetuous; others, like John, are reflective—yet both will soon stand together proclaiming the risen Savior (Acts 3:15).
•The pause heightens suspense and invites us to ponder. God sometimes allows a moment of waiting so the truth can settle into our hearts (Psalm 27:14).
•John’s restraint does not diminish his faith; when he finally enters, “he saw and believed” (John 20:8).
summaryJohn’s slight stoop, careful look, focus on the linen cloths, and respectful delay weave a vivid, trustworthy picture of resurrection morning. The empty tomb is not myth but verifiable history. The evidence is orderly, open to inspection, and convincing to anyone willing to bend down, look in, and consider what God has done.
(5)
And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying.--Better, . . .
seeth the linen clothes lying. The tense still describes the scene as it actually occurred. The words "looking in" rightly complete the meaning. (Comp. Note on
John 11:38, and for the word, Note on
Luke 24:12.) It is used again in the New Testament only in
John 20:11,
James 1:25, and
1Peter 1:12. It meant, originally, to stoop sideways, and was used,
e.g., of a harp-player; then, to stoop over, peer into, inquire into. For the "linen clothes," comp.
John 19:40. . . .
Verse 5. -
And having stooped down.
Παρακύπτω is the verb used in
Luke 24:12 to describe Peter's conduct and gesture. It was a necessary preliminary of the subsequent act of Peter, though Luke does not refer to it. Peter himself uses the same word (
1 Peter 1:12). It means literally "bending on one side," with a desire to gaze intently on an object (Ecclus. 14:23 Ecclus. 21:23;
James 1:25).
He seeth the linen clothes lying (see
John 19:40), untenanted and unused, those very cerecloths which he had helped to wind round the sacred, wounded body, with their affluence of sweet spices.
Yet entered he not within. Awe, reverence, mystery, fear, nascent hope, the thought most possibly, "Not here, but risen," began to dawn faintly on his mind. There was ringing in his ears," Your sorrow shall be turned into joy." The touch of the eye-witness, and the personal part of one who is describing his own activity. Weft-stein, on
οὐ μέντοι εἰσῆλθεν, adds, "no pollueretur," and quotes numerous Talmudieal authorities to show how the corpse and the grave and gravestone would pollute the living (cf.
Numbers 19:16). If so, then Peter, before he came to the conclusion that there was no death in the sepulcher, broke a ritual law which John respected. There seems also rabbinical authority for the fact that disciples might carry "the just" to their grave without such tear of pollution. But at this moment they were both lifted above the region of ritual altogether.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
He bent downπαρακύψας(parakypsas)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3879:To stoop, peer in, look down, look intently. From para and kupto; to bend beside, i.e. Lean over.[and] looked in atβλέπει(blepei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 991:(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.theτὰ(ta)Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.linen clothsὀθόνια(othonia)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3608:A linen bandage, a wrapping. Neuter of a presumed derivative of othone; a linen bandage.lying [there],κείμενα(keimena)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2749:To lie, recline, be placed, be laid, set, specially appointed, destined. Middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched.butμέντοι(mentoi)Conjunction
Strong's 3305:(a) indeed, really, (b) yet, however, nevertheless. From Not Used and toi; indeed though, i.e. However.he did not go in.εἰσῆλθεν(eisēlthen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1525:To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.
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NT Gospels: John 20:5 Stooping and looking in he saw (Jhn Jo Jn) 
